Smithson is sound in the defensive zone and spends time on the PK. He is a solid, quiet contributor to the success of this team in the early season. Grade: A Patric Hornqvist (5G-5A 21GP)Early in the season, Hornqvist was scoring and playing solid hockey. He was particularly effective on the first line with Arnott and Sullivan when Dumont was out with injury. ![]()
Lately, his scoring has dropped off and he appears to be struggling in the offensive zone. Grade: C Mike Santorelli (2G-1A 16 GP)Santorelli appears that he will stick with the Predators after being recalled from Milwaukee in the early season. This is a rookie that is trying to make the jump from AHL star to productive regular for the Predators He has potential, but the jury is still out. Grade: C Jordin Tootoo (1G-1A 8 GP)Tootoo missed the first thirteen games of the season with an strained hip flexor.

His game is not where it would be if he had played more games, but there are flashes that it is coming back. He continues to be a first class pest, drawing the attention of the opposing team. Grade: C Marcel Goc (1G-1A 19 GP)Goc is in his first year with the Predators, having started his career in San Jose. He has drawn mostly fourth line duty, but has been very solid in all zones. Grade: B Andreas Thuresson (0G-2A 8 GP)Thuresson was called up due to injuries earlier in the season and has managed to stick with the Predators. He is a big, strong body, and his play has been sound but unspectacular.